New Zealand manufacturer Anura will exhibit its amphibious boat systems at IBEX 2026, bringing technology normally seen on specialised beach-launch craft to a wider North American trade audience. The company develops modular wheel-drive systems for recreational, commercial and emergency-service boats.
Anura's current installations include RIBs and other craft comfortably within Leisure Boat Guide's under-12m scope. That makes the system relevant to owners who need to launch directly from beaches, private waterfronts or locations without conventional slipways.
Amphibious hardware changes how a boat is launched
Anura systems use retractable wheel assemblies that allow a boat to move between land and water under its own power. The wheels retract once afloat, leaving the boat to operate normally without a separate trailer at the water's edge.
The benefit is access rather than speed on land. Owners still need suitable terrain, sufficient clearance and permission to operate in the chosen launch area, so amphibious capability does not make every shoreline usable.
Modular systems cover different boat sizes
The company markets several system sizes, including configurations suitable for smaller leisure craft and larger working boats. Its technology has already been fitted to boats such as the Smuggler 800 and other recreational RIB platforms.
Hull structure, weight distribution and propulsion layout all influence whether a conversion is practical. An amphibious installation therefore needs to be engineered around the boat rather than treated as a bolt-on accessory.
IBEX marks Anura's first US trade-show appearance
Anura says IBEX 2026 will be its first United States trade-show appearance, giving builders and distributors a chance to inspect the range from 6 to 8 October in Tampa. The company is using the event to expand relationships with North American boat manufacturers.
For LBG readers, the technology is particularly interesting where trailer launching is difficult or where owners keep a boat at a waterfront property. Cost, added weight and maintenance need to be balanced against the convenience of independent beach launching.